Under $100: Merida, Mexico

While Cancun draws visitors in search of a good time, Merida remains the cultural capital of the Yucatan.

According to local tradition, breakfast is the biggest meal of the day in the Yucatan. At Wayane, the chefs really do it justice, serving up a variety of tacos filled with twice-fried pork belly and other local favorites ($5).

Take in some culture at the Gran Museo del Mundo, which tells the story of Mayan history, or the Museo Regional de Antropologia, with more of a focus on Mayan customs. When you’re feeling peckish, get down to Las Vigas and try the famous ribs ($3).

Walk off your lunch with a walk around the historic old town, exploring the many side streets and finding out just why the locals are so proud of their city. Visit Sotuta de Peon ($22) to see how the Henequen Agave plant is woven into a fiber known as sisal, an important industry in the area in the 19^th century and contributed to the wealth of Merida.

For your evening meal, try La Pigua. The restaurant is renowned for its seafood and also serves up delicious desserts ($25). Get into the swing of the Merida nightlife with a few drinks at Amaro, a romantic courtyard spot, or get dancing at Foxxys (beers are $2).

Merida offers a more cultural experience than the seaside resort towns of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and many people come here to see some of the true face of the Yucatan peninsula.